HOLYWELL town centre has been criticised for its ‘unkempt and ugly’ appearance.

In a letter to the Chronicle the Rev James Thompson, of Fron Park Road, raised concerns about the state of Flintshire’s town centres.

He said: “I find it very sad that at a time when supermarkets have been allowed to have the monopoly, that streets – such as Holywell High Street for one notable example – should be allowed to become an eyesore through one or two unkempt and ugly sites being allowed to remain as they are.

“There are surely certain eyesores that need to be either demolished or else speedily updated for the benefit of all other shopkeepers relying upon patrons, as well as visitors to an, otherwise, most pleasant pedestrian precinct.”

But town centre manager Medwyn Roberts urged the public to give their support to town centres.

He said: “Most small towns have been hit by the recent recession and, before that, were affected by internet shopping and out-of-town shopping parks.

“Our town centres need positive support, we need to talk them up not down and perhaps if more people supported local businesses the towns would become more lively and look better.”